Rumour Mill: Celtic fans | Ryan Gauld | Rangers

Fraser Forster's goalmouth is engulfed in green smoke from a flare. Picture: SNS

CELTIC fans criticised after damaging seats and throwing a flare onto the pitch in their 5-0 win over Motherwell, Arsenal warned off £6m-rated Ryan Gauld and the latest from the Ibrox boardroom battle.

Neil Lennon hits out at fans over flares and seat damage

CELTIC manager Neil Lennon has again voiced his concern after rowdy Hoops fans damaged seats and threw a flare onto the pitch during their 5-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park last night.

Lennon described their actions as ‘unnecessary’, adding: “I don’t see what [flares] bring to the game. I just don’t see what they add to the atmosphere of the game.

“It’s at our end with our goalkeeper there and it’s always a worry that by accident someone could get hit or something could get damaged by it.”

A spokesman for Police Scotland confirmed that 18 smoke bombs, three fireworks and one flare were set off, along with significant damage being caused to several seats in the away end.

Celtic are currently subject to disciplinary proceedings from both UEFA and the SPFL for banners displayed by the ‘Green Brigade’ section of their support at recent home matches. (Various)

Mark Wotte warns Arsenal off Ryan Gauld

SFA Performance Director Mark Wotte has said it would be ‘ridiculous’ for Dundee United starlet Ryan Gauld to move to Arsenal. The Gunners have been linked with the £6 million-rated midfielder, who has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs.

With the London club believed to be readying a bid for the talented youngster, Wotte told The Metro newspaper: “I would prefer him to stay in Scotland, play his games here, before getting a recognised move to an English club.

“I’ve seen some of the clubs he’s been linked with – it’s ridiculous. He doesn’t have to leave Scotland to develop. That’s the most important statement I want to make. He doesn’t have to move.”

However, the Terrors may be keen to sell the 17-year-old in order to raise cash. (The Metro)

Rangers chairman dismisses rebel shareholders as ‘fanatics’

The battle for control at Ibrox has taken another twist, with Rangers chairman David Somers calling the Paul Murray-led ‘Gang of Four’ rebel shareholders ‘fanatics’ who are ‘driven by their own personal self-interest’.

The group, who refer to themselves as ‘requisitioners’ launched a fresh attack on the current regime earlier this week, issuing an eight-point charter, and warning that Rangers would be in serious trouble if changes aren’t made to the club’s hierarchy.

The chairman added: “The mystery to me is why people should now be considering that members of these boards, which presided over the problems we face today, should be considered for re-election.

“I have now read over two years of board minutes and they make very depressing reading in terms of the scale of their lack of professionalism and worse. The minutes make it clear, in my mind, that the boards of recent years have been totally unfit to run this club.

The ‘Gang of Four’ are aiming to win the backing of voting shareholders on December 19th. (The Scotsman)

Stevie May aims to add to goal tally

St Johnstone striker Stevie May has paid tribute to former boss Derek McInnes but warned the Aberdeen boss: “At home, we fancy ourselves against anyone.”

The Dons travel to Perth today to face an in-form St Johnstone side with May spearheading their attack. And the former Alloa loan star said he owed his success to McInnes, who brought the youngster through as a raw 16-year-old.

May said: “Derek gave me my debut for Saints at Airdrie when we had already won the First Division title. I scored a late goal that day.

“Before games he told me to do what I was good at and to keep things simple. He also reminded me to enjoy my football and to make the most of any opportunities.

“But Derek would always talk to you and tell you what he was wanting.” (Daily Record)

Jordon Forster had no doubts signing new Hibs contract

Hibs stopper Jordon Forster has paid tribute to new Hibs boss Terry Butcher, saying it is a ‘big lift’ that the former Inverness boss has shown faith in the youngster.

Forster, who signed a new deal this week tying him to the club until 2016, said: “[Terry] has already shown a bit of faith with big [Michael] Nelson being back, yet keeping me in the team for the Ross County game. This is another big vote of confidence. It looks as if he believes in the youngsters, believes that, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

Forster made his debut at Tynecastle last season, when Hibs won 2-1 thanks to goals from Leigh Griffiths and Ross Caldwell, but lost his place after the 7-0 mauling by Malmo. And the 20-year-old has benefited from the arrival of Butcher and assistant Maurice Malpas, both defenders, adding: “For me as a defender, I’ll learn a lot from them. It’s pretty helpful for me personally. They have helped me individually with little things, what to do, what not to do, the best way to approach different situations.” (The Scotsman)

Jackie McNamara picks up manager award

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara has picked up the SPFL manager of the month award for November.

United were in fine form, drawing 1-1 with Celtic - who needed a late equaliser - and defeating Motherwell and Partick Thistle 4-0 and 4-1 respectively before hammering Kilmarnock 5-2 in the Scottish Cup.

Former Jags boss McNamara, whose side welcome Hearts this afternoon, told the club’s website: “It is nice to receive the award but the recognition is for everyone.

“The award acknowledges the hard work put in to achieve the results and performances we have produced throughout last month. I want December to be even better and that has to be the aim for everyone at the club.” (spfl.co.uk)

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